Australia awards help 35 Pakistani scholars build skills in climate, economy and public policy

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said that thirty-five Pakistani scholars returning from Australia under the Australia Awards program are bringing skills in climate resilience, water management, agriculture and economic reforms to support development in Pakistan.

During exclusive talk with APP, Australian HC said the scholarship program has supported more than 1,300 Pakistanis since 1999. He said the initiative offers study and training opportunities in a wide range of sectors, helping participants contribute to public policy, education, governance and economic planning after returning home.

The Australian envoy said the program covers areas ranging from economics to climate change finance and short professional courses. He added that the flexibility of the scholarship program has helped it remain useful for Pakistani students with different academic and professional interests.

Kane said many former scholars are now serving in government departments and public institutions across Pakistan. According to him, several alumni are helping implement reforms and policies influenced by their education and training in Australia.

He noted that sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience and water management have become increasingly important for Pakistani students applying for Australia Awards scholarships. He said these areas are directly linked to Pakistan’s current challenges, including floods and climate-related disasters faced in recent years.

The High Commissioner said Australian institutions are offering training that helps improve the management of waterways and environmental systems. He added that the impact of these programs can already be seen in different parts of Pakistan, including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Kane also highlighted the growing interest among Pakistani students in economic reforms and public policy. He said several master’s students are conducting research and studies focused on improving Pakistan’s economic system and governance structures.

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During the interaction, he described the Australia Awards program as an important platform for creating positive change in Pakistan through education and professional development.

Responding to a question about women’s empowerment, Kane said the scholarship program has played a role in improving the lives of many Pakistani women. He shared that one female scholar told him the experience had changed her life and helped her grow personally and professionally.

He said empowering women benefits not only individuals and families but also communities and society as a whole. According to him, the Australia Awards initiative encourages women to pursue higher education and leadership opportunities.

Kane also spoke about the long history of people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Australia. He said these links go back to the 19th century, when camel handlers from Balochistan and Sindh travelled to Australia and became part of local communities there.

He said many Australians today carry surnames such as Khan and Sultan, reflecting historical connections between the two countries. Kane added that relationships built during the Australia Awards program often continue for years after students return home.

According to him, professional and academic contacts developed in Australia frequently become long-term mentoring and networking opportunities for Pakistani scholars.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the latest group of returning scholars and highlighted the role of educational exchange in strengthening relations between Pakistan and Australia.

At the conclusion of the discussion, participants expressed hope that the Australia Awards alumni network would continue to grow and support future cooperation between the two countries through education, skills development and professional collaboration.